MOTORING NEWS - The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan cuts a sporty, elegant and stylish figure as it hits the roads in South Africa in February and March 2017.
Further enhanced dynamics, an unbeatable line-up of assistance systems, an unmatched degree of connectivity and a new and innovative operating system are the most important new features. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan can be expected to continue the remarkable success of its predecessors; around 7,9 million BMW 5 Series cars were sold across its first six generations.
Superior driving pleasure
Upholding BMW's lightweight design concept, using more aluminium and high-strength steels makes this 5 Series Sedan almost 100kg lighter than its predecessor. The newly designed chassis, a low centre of gravity, BMW's even weight distribution and a lightweight body offering exceptional torsional stiffness provide a wonderfully dynamic driving experience and long-distance comfort. This model offers various chassis options such as Integral Active Steering and a drag-coefficient of CD = 0.22 at its most efficient.
The new BMW 5 series aims at automated driving with a wealth of systems to support the driver, both in critical and less demanding situations. A stereo camera can be teamed up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car. Evasion aid and crossing traffic warning are enhanced with lane keep assist with active side collision protection.
The Active Cruise Control (ACC) now includes an option for drivers to make an adjustment of about 15km in the system settings of the Speed Limit Assist option. From rest to 210 km/h the car assists the driver with distance-keeping, accelerating, braking and lane control.
This increases comfort significantly - particularly at low speeds and in slow-moving traffic on clogged up highway sections. The intelligent Auto Start Stop function now adjusts its responses to the route as well as traffic conditions, offering even greater driving comfort.
Intuitive and comfortable
The new 5 Series is equipped with the latest-generation iDrive system. In top specification, it displays navigation, telephone and entertainment features, plus vehicle functions, on a high-resolution 10,25" screen.
The system can be operated using the iDrive Controller, by voice command or gestures, or by touching the display controls directly. The large, tile-style panels can be arranged as desired and show the content of the underlying menus in constantly updated form.
The projection surface of the latest-generation full-colour BMW Head-Up Display is 70% larger than before and displays traffic signs, telephone listings, radio stations, music tracks, navigation instructions and warnings from the assistance systems.
Passenger comfort is maximised by bigger storage, more legroom for rear-seat passengers, comfort seats with massage function and touch-sensor seat operation, and four-zone climate control (with ionisation and discreet air fragrancing).
The Special Synergy Thermoacoustic Capsule (SYNTAK) engine encapsulation technology, the acoustic glazing for the windscreen and the acoustic headliner help to noticeably reduce noise levels inside the car. All headlight variants specified for the 5 Series Sedan come with LED technology, which can be enhanced by optional Adaptive LED headlights with variable light distribution (including adaptive roundabout lights), and BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle high beam with a range of up to 500m.
Advanced link-up
The Extensive BMW ConnectedDrive features can be enhanced by the optional Park Assist, which parks the vehicle automatically and the Remote Parking system which allows the vehicle to be manoeuvred into even the tightest parking spaces remotely using the car key. Smartphone integration has been further improved - from Apple CarPlay (which, in a first for a car maker, has been incorporated fully wirelessly) to inductive phone charging.
Additional services have been added to BMW Connected, BMW's personal digital mobility assistant. BMW Connected Onboard gives drivers an overview of their mobility-related information. Relevant content such as the upcoming navigation destinations and estimated arrival time recorded in their personal mobility agenda are transferred seamlessly into the car from their smartphone and displayed on the personalised screen.
Remote 3D View allows drivers to call up three-dimensional views of the area around their car on their smartphone while on the move. And that means they need never lose sight of their car.
BMW 530i and BMW 540i
All the engines in the 5 Series Sedan line-up belong to the newly developed, modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is used in all the members of the family. Two diesel engines and two petrol variants that work in tandem with rear-wheel drive will be available from launch.
The new two-litre four-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW 530i develops peak torque of 350Nm and maximum output of 185kW. Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle comes in at 5,5 litres per 100 km*, which means CO² emissions of 126g/km - down more than 11% on its predecessor's figures. The BMW 530i accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6,2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
The flagship engine at launch is the 250kW unit under the bonnet of the new BMW 540i. This three-litre straight-six produces torque of 450Nm. Despite its extra output and sharper dynamic edge, average fuel consumption stands at only 6,5 litres per 100 km* and CO² emissions are kept to just 149g/km.
BMW 520d and BMW 530d
The four-cylinder diesel engine powering the BMW 520d develops 140kW and peak torque of 400Nm. Fuel consumption and CO² emissions are 4,2 litres per 100 km* and 109g/km with the manual gearbox specified or 4,1 litres per 100km* and 108g/km with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The sedan accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7,5 seconds. Top speed is 238km/h (Steptronic 235km/h).
The new BMW 530d produces 195kW and peak torque of 620Nm, the six-cylinder in-line unit is superior to the equivalent model in the outgoing range but still makes do with average fuel consumption of 4,5 litres per 100km* and CO² emissions of 118g/km - approximately 13% better than its predecessor. The new BMW 530d races from 0 to 100km/h in just 5,7 seconds, and on to an electronically governed 250 km/h.
* Fuel consumption figures were calculated according to the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tyre format specified. Some figures are provisional.
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